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\\ How a Woman |p W 

Keeps a Secret ^ 



THE P. 




BUSHING COMPANY 



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How a Woman Keeps 
a Secret 



A Comedy in One Act 



BY 



FRANK DUMONT 

Author of "SMYTRE vs. SMITH," "SI SLOCUM'S 
COUNTRY STORE/' etc. 




PHILADELPHIA 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1911 



Copyright 1911 by The Penn Publishing Company 



TMP96-007222 
CCLO 25823 



How a Woman Keeps a Secret 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 



Mabel Sweetly . 
Maude Harrison 
Mary Morton 
Delia . . 

Clara Lewis 
Stella Gardiner 
Hazel Brown 
Nellie Atherton 
Makion Carr 
Jessie Cooper 



Whose engagement is the secret 

Her bosom friend 

. , . . Who is giving a tea 

.... The waitress 



Girls who are sure they can 
keep a secret 



Time of Playing : — Thirty minutes. 



STORY OF THE PLAY 

Mabel Sweetly has just become engaged to Harold, but 
it's "the deepest kind of a secret." Before announcing it 
they must win the approval of Harold's uncle, now in 
Europe, or lose a possible ten thousand a year. At a tea 
Mabel meets Maude, her dearest friend. Maude sees Mabel 
has a secret. "Oh, do tell me. I'll never breathe it to 
a single soul." Mabel tells her. In spite of her promise 
Maude lets out the secret in a few minutes to another friend, 
Clara. "I can't help it if you guessed it, can I?" Clara 
solemnly promises not to tell, but somehow Stella coaxes the 
secret out of her. "If people are engaged it's perfectly 
silly of them not to tell, isn't it? " Stella says a secret with 
her is as safe as locked up in the grave. Delia, the wait- 
ress, overhears. "You mustn't tell, Delia." " Do I look 
like a girl as would tell other people's secrets, mum ? " 

But she can't keep it from Mary, her mistress. Mary 
hates to tell the secret, but Hazel, Nellie and the other girls 
are too much for her. They surround Mabel excitedly, 
congratulating her. " Why, I never told a living soul ! " 
" You mustn't tell any one, girls." They all promise. But 
Harold calls her on the 'phone to say his uncle has returned 
unexpectedly, has been told, and it's all right. 

" You may tell any one now, girls ! " " It's no longer a 
secret." 



COSTUMES 



Costumes modern, and suitable for an afternoon tea. 
Mary wears an evening gown, and she, Hazel and Jessie 
wear no hats. Clara's hat has feathers. Delia wears wait- 
ress's cap and apron. Clara is rather boyish in manner. 
Jessie lisps. 



PROPERTIES 



Tray, with cups and dishes for Delia. Gloves and hand- 
kerchief for Stella. Handkerchiefs for Maude and Mabel. 



How a Woman Keeps a Secret 



SCENE. — A handsome interior in Mary Morton's house. 
The room is a small parlor or music room, adjoining the 
larger drawing-room, reached by door up r. Entrances 
also up L. and down l., the latter leading to front door. 
There should be a chair and table up a, a sofa down r., 
and chairs down L. Other furnishings to suit taste. 
An afternoon tea is in progress in the drawing-room, R. 
Music for opening of scene, and as curtain rises a burst 
of laughter is heard and a clapping of hands as if some 
story or joke had just ended. Great buzz of conversation 

0ffR. 

(Enter Delia, r., her hands full of dishes.*) 

Delia (pausing a). Ocb, did yez ever hear the like? 
Ain't it the hen party, though? An' ivery wan tellin' all 
she knows as quick as she can for fear some one else' 11 beat 
her to it. Sure, I pity their friends that ain't here. (Goesi,.) 

(Enter Mary, r.) 

Mary.- Oh, Delia, tell Johnson to send up more ices 
and cake at once. 

Delia. Yes, ma'am ! 

Mary. And bring some more teacups and saucers. 

Delia. Yes, ma'am ! 

(Exits up l.) 

(Enter Maude Harrison, down L.) 

ivLlP;:. Oh ! Mary ! (They kiss each other.) I know 
that 1 am late— but really I hurried as much as possible ! 

Mary. I know it, dear. Don't go upstairs. Take off 
your wraps right here. 

(Maude removes hat, etc., which she places on table.) 

5 



6 HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET 

Maude. I'm just dying for a cup of. tea. 

Mary. Well, you are just in time. Go right in ! 

{Ushers Maude off r., and the girls are heard to welcome 
Maude.) 

{Enter Mabel Sweetly, down l.) 

Mabel. Oh, I'm afraid to go in there. {Looks r.) I 
just know they'll get it out of me. Do I look too happy? 
{Smiles in mirror l.) Of course I do. Grinning like a 
chessy cat. Silly ! {Pulls a long face.) There, that's 
better. I promised Harold I wouldn't tell, and I won't, I 
won't ! {Looks again in mirror up l. Enter Maude, r.) 
Now, mum's the word ! 

Maude. Oh, Mabel, is it you? (Mabel looks grave.) 
Mercy, what's the matter? 

Mabel. Why, nothing. {Still very grave.) 

Maude. Well, then, don't look at me that way. 

Mabel. What way? 

Maude. Why, that solemn way. You look like a 
funeral. What's the matter ? 

Mabel {bursting into laughter ; she kisses Maude). 
Nothing, you dear old goose. 

{Hugs Maude, and gives a little gay skip, and then remem- 
bers and is solemn again.) 

Maude (staring at her). Mabel Sweetly, something is ~ 
the matter with you ! 

Mabel {pretending to misunderstand). Mercy, is it my 
hat, or my hair? (Goes to mirror.) 

Maude. You can't fool me. Why are you so late? 

Mabel. Late ! Why — I didn't expect to come at all. 

Maude. Where have you been ? 

Mabel. Why, nowhere ! 

Maude {scornfully). Nowhere ! Whom were you with 
when you were nowhere ? 

Mabel {grinning in spite of herself). W r ith nobody. 

Maude. Well, maybe that's what you call him. 

Mabel {hastily). Call whom? 

Maude. Harold Wright. Stella saw you driving with 
him 

Mabel. I never Well, what if I was? 



^K/l 



HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET 7 

Maude. Oh, nothing. But you're acting queer; you 
know you are. 

(Delia enters L., carrying tray of cups, etc. She passes 
across back very slowly, and evidently listening hard.) 

Mabel. • I'm not ! 

Maude. You are ! You have a secret. (Exit Delia, r.) 
Oh, do tell me ! I'll never breathe it to a single soul. 

Mabel (con/used). Oh, Maude ! 

Maude" (determined). Come; out with it. 

Mabel. Oh, dear, no; I can't tell. I mean there isn't 
anything. 

Maude (triumphantly). You can't tell ! Well, you just 
will tell me. Now ! 

Mabel (seriously). Maudie, you know I'd tell you first, 
if I could. But this is so serious — and it affects some one 
else. So I couldn't, honorably, could I? 

Maude. Oh, Mabel, to think you hesitate to trust me, 
your very best friend ! 

(Delia enters r., hastily, with empty tray and crosses very 
slowly, listening.) 

Mabel. Oh, Maude, you know I'd trust you with any 
secret of mine. 

Maude. No, you have no confidence in me. What's 
the use of being bosom friends if we can't confide in one 
-«ttotifer ? I'd tell you anything ! ( Wipes her eyes.) 

Delia (aside). She'll get it out of her. 

(Exits l., slowly.) 

Mabel. I know you would. But this isn't my secret. 
Let's not talk about it. 

Maude. I promise never to tell a single soul. 

Mabel. Please, Maude 

'1 ,ude. Don't you believe I mean it when I say I'll 
nev r tell? 

Mabel. Yes, but this is such a great secret, and sq 
much harm might be done if it got out. I promised Harold 
— oh, dear — I don't mean that ! 

(Enter Delta hastily, l., with tray. She crosses very 
sloivly, listening as before. ) 



8 HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET 

Maude. Harold! Harold! I knew it. {Impressively.*) 
Mabel Sweetly, you are engaged to Harold Wright — don't 
deny it ! 

Mabel. Why, Maude, how ridiculous ! {Looks at 
Maude and gives it up. Mabel rushes at Maude suddenly 
and hugs her.) Oh, Maude, it's no use trying to keep it 
from you. It's true ! 

(Delia, who has stopped and is listening opeti-mouthed, 
gives a sudden gasp, and hurries out R.) 

Maude {triumphantly). I knew it all the time ! 
Mabel. Of course you did. You guessed it, didn't you? 
I promised I wouldn't tell, and I haven't, have I? 

Maude {loyally). Certainly not. Oh, you dear thing ! 

{They embrace again.) 

Mabel. Of course you had to know it. But, Maude, 
promise — promise me that you won't tell a single living soul 
until I say so. 

Maude. I won't. I'd rather have my tongue cut out 
than tell it. 

Mabel. On your word and honor? 

Maude. Cross my heart ! But why can't it be an- 
nounced? 

Mabel. AVhy, because Harold's Uncle George must give 
his consent first, or Harold will lose twenty thousand dollars 
a year. His uncle would flare up and perhaps disinherit hfrrTT" 

Maude. I see. The horrid old thing. 

Mabel. Oh, no, he's rather a nice old gentleman, but 
fond of his own way. He's in Europe now, - but he's com- 
ing back in two weeks. Until then — silence; absolute, im- 
perative silence. Don't even hint to any one, will you ? 

Maude. I'm dumb as an oyster. 

Mabel. You know what these girls are at a tea. If 
they ever got an inkling of it 

Maude. I wouldn't trust one of them. Depend ipon 
me to guard your secret. Now go in and I'll join you ]>res- 
ently. I want to fix my hat. 

Mabel {going r.). Yes, I must go in. Wait for me. 
We'll go home together, and I'll tell you everything. Now. 
don't forget! {Finger on lips.) 

Maude. I'm a sealed tomb! {Goes to mirror and ad- 



I 



HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET 9 

fusts hat ; the?i comes down c. Looks R.) Just think what 
they'd say in there if they knew ! Oh, I'm just crazy to tell 
them. But I mustn't even hint. Let me see — I must be 
especially careful with Stella, and with Clara Lewis, if she 
comes. She's so awfully quick to see things. {Turns L.) 
Oh, there she is now. 

(Enter Clara Lewis, l.) 

Clara. Oh ! Maude ! 

Maude. Why, Clara ! {They kiss and examine each 
other' s hats.) Why, what a pretty hat, and so becoming to 
you. Did you trim it yourself? 

Clara. Oh, no — I bought it just as you see it. 

Maude. Feathers are becoming very cheap — but yours 
look very nice indeed. Did you have them dyed and 
curled ? 

Clara. These are new feathers. 

Maude. Why, so they are ! 

Clara. Your hat is very pretty indeed ! I had one just 
like it last year. 

Maude. Last year? Oh, no, dear. Why, my milliner 
told me they had just arrived from Paris. 

Clara. Oh ! They'll tell you anything to make a sale 
— but it's a pretty hat, and you look very well in it. 

Maude. Yours is certainly becoming. It makes you 
look real young. 

C- ara (laughing). Well, I really felt when I put it on 
L was going to make a hit, and I did. The first man I met 
was that old funeral-faced Harold Wright, and he grinned 
like a man finding money. 

Maude. Yes, I guess he has the smile that won't come 
off to-day. 

Clara. Won't come off? What do you mean ? 

Maude (hastily). Oh, nothing. (Moves r.) Come 
on, are you going in ? 

Clara (looking at Maude sharply, and then running 
and catching her by the arm). Maude Harrison, you 
know something you're trying to hide. 

Maude. I'm not hiding anything. 

Clara (dryly). No, that's true. It sticks out all over 
you. (Shrewdly.) Promised not to tell, didn't you ? 

Maude. Why, you, mean thing. (Earnestly.) Of 
course if I had, I wouldn't, would I ? 



10 HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET 

Clara. Dear me, how serious. There must be some- 
thing in it. Let me see 

Maude {alarmed*). Oh, Clara, you mustn't even guess. 
I can't let you. 

Clara (laughing). Oh, you'll feel better when you get 
it out of your system. Let's see — somebody engaged ? 

Maude {putting hand over Clara's mouth). Clara, 
don't; please don't. {Looks r., fearfully.) 

Clara (holding Maude's hands). If I guess, will you 
tell me? Let me think — we were talking about Harold 
Wright. 

Maude. Oh, Clara ! 

Clara (laughing). So it is Harold., Well, let's see — 
he's been going a good deal lately with Mabel Sweetly — 
but of course he wouldn't — ever think of marrying her. 

Maude (hotly). Well, I'd like to know why not. She's 
one of the dearest, loveliest girls I ever knew, and she'll 
make — oh, my ! (Puts hand over her own mouth.) 

Clara (laughing). And she'll make him a devoted 
wife, you were going to say. 

Maude. I wasn't — I wasn't ! 

Clara. Well, no matter ; the secret's out. 

Maude. Clara Lewis, it isn't. It musn't be. I deny 
it. Remember, I deny it, absolutely. Oh, Clara, really 
there are very important reasons why nobody must know. 

Clara. Oh, I see. 

Maude. So you won't breathe it to a soul, will you? 
I can't help it if you guessed it, can I ? 

Clara. No, of course not. But Mabel — of all girls. 
Who would have thought it? 

Maude. And I didn't tell, did I? You said they were 
engaged, and I denied it, didn't I? 

Clara. You certainly did. (Laughs.) 

Maude. Well, let it stay that way. It's very important, 
Clara, very important, really. Are you coming in? 

(Exit Maude, r. ) 

Clara. Dear me, there seems to be quite a mystery 
about it. And Mabel Sweetly, of all girls. Well, I won't 
say anything, of course, because I promised I wouldn't. 
But I must find out something more about this right away. 
It looks juicy. Oh, here's Stella. (Enter Stella Gar- 
diner, r.) Hello, Stella. You aren't going already? 



HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET II 

Stella. Oh, I must. I ought to drop in at the Hud- 
sons', and I'm going out to dinner. What a pretty gown ! 

Clara. So glad you like it. What are they talking 
about in there ? {Motions r.) 

Stella. Oh, nothing much. What do you know ? 

{Draws on gloves.} 

Clara. Oh, nothing I can tell. 

Stella {looking up quickly). What's that? Nothing 
you can tell? You'd tell me, wouldn't you? You know 
I'm safe as the grave, {lliey go down l.) 

{Enter Delia, r., with tray of dishes.') 

Clara. Oh, yes, dear, but it's a secret, a real secret, 
and I promised. Oh, you would be so surprised ! 

Delia {aside\ Saints preserve us ! Here's two more 
av thim tellin' about it. And it's a secret — a real secret. 

{Puts tray on table.) 

Stella {to Clara). Oh, come on, be a sport. Tell 
me. I love surprises. 

Clara. Well ! I know it's silly to be mysterious oyer a 
trifle like this — but a promise is a promise, and I never 
break a promise — that is, intentionally. 

Delia {aside). And I never break a cup or saucer in- 
tentionally. 

Clara. And besides — if — if — two people are engaged 
it's perfectly silly of them not to tell, isn't it? 

Delia {aside). She'll die if she doesn't tell it. 

{Takes up tray, and exits, L.) 

Stella. Engaged! Who's engaged? Why, Clara, when 
did it happen j* So you are engaged, are you? 

Clara. Oh, no, not I. Now, don't press me to tell 
n^v j j people':; secrets, because I won't. 

Stella. If you don't tell me the truth I'll think you are 
hiding something from me — and — I'll never, never forgive 
you. {Handkerchief to eyes.) 

Clara. Now, Stella Gardiner, don't be silly, and don't 
cry about it. I'm not engaged. 

Stella. But you are — you're keeping something from 
me, anyway. 



12 HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET 

Clara {impatiently). Look here, this is not my secret. 
It was fairly forced on me. I don't see why 1 should keep 
a secret that's fairly forced on me, do you? 

Stella. No, certainly not. 

Claka. And when two people have been seen together 
on the street every day for the past month, and out driving, 
and all 

Stella. Driving? You don't mean Harold and Mabel? 
I saw them yesterday. You don't mean it ! 

Clara. Yes, I do. Isn't it astonishing? 

Stella. Well — of — all — things! She's welcome to him. 
I'm going right back and congratulate her before them 
all. {Goes r.) 

Clara. Oh, mercy, no. They'll say I told you. But I 
didn't tell, really, did I? 

Stella. Of course not. I guessed it. Anyway, I 
thought something was up yesterday when I saw them. 
Well, did you ever! The sly little thing. Butter wouldn't 
melt in her mouth. I really must go in and see how she 
looks over it. 

Clara. Probably like the cat after he swallowed the 
canary. Come on. I'll go in with you. Now don't you — 
say — one — word ! Mind ! Promise ! 

Stella {laughing). Oh, I promise. 

{Exeunt, R.) 

{Enter Delia, l. She looks off v 

Delia. I'll bet they were talkin' about 
engagement. An' there's Miss Mary woul 
hear about it, an' nobody tellin' her. Sure, it's mesilf can 
kape a secret when it's a rale secret. But when half the 

town's talkin' {Goes R. suddenly.) There's Miss 

Mary, right be the dure. {Calls off R. in loud whisper.] 
Miss Mary ! Miss Mary, dear. 

{Enter Mary, r.) 

Mary. Mercy, Delia, what's the matter? Is the cake 
all gone, or what ? 

(Delia looks all around, and draws Mary mysteriously 
down c.) 






HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET 13 

Delia. Whisht ! Miss Mary — there's somethin' g t ' 
on here to-day ! 

Mary. Well, I should say so, Delia. You are. I neyfcf 
saw you go 011 so. What is it — quick ! 

Delia. Miss Mary, you could chop me in pieces before 
I'd blab a secret, but when it's every one a-talkin' about it, 
and the dear child herself in there {motioning r.) so inno- 
cent like, never suspectin' 

Mary (nervously). Delia, you'll drive me crazy. What 7 
are you talking about ? What dear child ? 

Delia. Oh, ma'am, when ye only overhear things is it 

right ? If it isn't right to tell it, I wouldn't do it for 

a thousand dollars. 

Mary {with dignity). You can surely tell me, Delia, 

and I will decide what is best to be done about it. Come ! 

Delia. Oh, Miss Mary, nothin' can't be done about 

anythin'. They're engaged, that's all ! And she's in there 

this blessed minute ! {Points dramatically, r.) 

Mary. Dear me, Delia — engaged! YVho? Who? 

Delia. Och, sure I don't know whether Miss Mabel 

would forgive me for tellin'. But she's got a grand young 

man, Miss Mary, in Mr. Wright — she has so. I wouldn't 

-'• '' ?: J \ away for anything, bless their hearts, if you would 

jngue out. 

{surprised). Mabel and Harold engaged ! De ia, 
•>ure ? 

Sure ! I heard her say it herself wid her own 

is very room not ten minutes gone. I thought you 

know. But it's a secret, Miss Mary. Swear be 

De that ye' 11 never breathe a word av it — won't ye, 

now? 

Mary. Why, of course, Delia. And you mustn't tell 
any one else. 

Delia. Do I look like a girl as would tell other people's 
secrets, mum? 

MnRY. No, Delia; I know you never do. But you did 
ctly right to come to me. Now hurry with the cakes, 
' t you ? 
Delia.. Yis, mum. 

{Exit, l.) 

Mary {down l.). Well, this is news ! And to think I 
can't say a word. Why, Delia overheard it. (Loud burst 



14 HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET 

of laughter heard off r.) I wouldn't be surprised if they all 
kliow it by now. 

{Enter Hazel Brown, r.) 

Hazel (calling). Mary, where are you ? Ah, there you 
are. We need some more cakes. 

Mary (solemnly). I know. I've sent Delia. What are 
they laughing about in there ? 

Hazel. Why, about Mabel ! 

Mary (tragically). Hazel Brown, do you mean to tell 
me Mabel Sweetly announced her engagement — and I wasn't 
there to hear it ? 

Hazel (coming doivn L.). Announced — her — engage- 
ment ! {Surprised.) What do you mean? Stella was try- 
ing to tease her about Harold Wright, that's all; and every 
one knows she doesn't care a snap of her 

Mary (meaningly). Oh, doesn't she? 

Hazel. Mary Morton, I believe you know something. 

Mary. I do, but I won't tell. 

Hazel. Oh, please, please. 

Mary. Never. I promised. 

Hazel. You just wait. (Hazel runs outR., and re- 
turns in a moment with Nellie Atherton, Jessie Cooper 
and Marion Carr.) Now, girls, make her tell — make her 
tell. 

Jessie. Make her tell what ? Ith it thometrjing real in- 
terethting? 

Hazel. Girls — she knows something about Mabel 
Sweetly, and she's just dying to tell it. So now let's give 
her the chance. 

All. Yes, tell it, Mary. Please. Come on, now. 
Mabel won't care. 

Mary. Oh, dear — oh, dear. Well (looking off r.), I 
believe several others know it, anyway. Come here, girls. 
(She gathers them close around her, and speaks i,n a low, 
impressive voice.) Mabel is engaged to Harold Wright ! 
There ! 

Marion. Oh, are you sure? 

Mary. Perfectly certain — but, girls, it's a secret. Now, 
don't go and tell any one. For once in your lives show 
that a woman can keep a secret. 

All. You bet we will ! Oh, Mary, is it true? etc. 



HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET 15 

Jessie (ecstatically). Oh, I knew it ! I knew it ! Ithn't 
it exthiting ? I thimply mutht congratulate her. ( Goes r.) 

Hazel. Wait ! She won't mind a bit, Mary. We'll 
all go in and surround her, and march her out here. 
Come on. 

(Hazel, Marion, Jessie and Nellie rush out r.) 

Mary. Oh, now I've done it ! Now I've done it ! But 
it was bound to get out, anyway. 

{Enter Marion, Jessie and Nellie in a mock wedding 
procession, and loudly humming the wedding march. 
Hazel follows with Mabel on her arm. Mabel is 
laughing and protesting.) 

Mabel. Hazel Brown, you're crazy. What does all this 
mean ? 

{Enter, immediately after Mabel, Stella, Clara and 
Maude. Stella and Clara go down r. Maude re- 
mains up r. c. Hazel is up c. Mabel is up l. c. 
The others are L.) 

Mary {going to Mabel and kissing her). Oh, Mabel, 
I'm so sorry — I mean I'm so glad, dear. 

Stella j {looking at each other). Glad ! Glad of 

Clara j what ? 

Hazel (dramatically). Allow me, ladies, to present 
Mrs. Harold Wright ! 

Mabel. Oh ! 

(She covers her face and sinks into chair.) 

Nellie. She's engaged, girls, she's engaged. Make her 
admit it ! 

Jessie. Oh, Mabel, do confeth it, dear. 

Mabel. Oh, girls, how can I? Why, how on earth 
could such a story get out about me? (Begins to cry.) I 
never told a living soul — except — except — (she looks across 
at Maude with sudden indignation) Maude ! 

Maude (rushing across and throwing herself on her 
knees beside Mabel). Oh, Mabel, you know I never really 
told — I couldn't after I promised. Please believe me. Say 
you forgive me. 



l6 HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET 

(Mabel rises and releases herself from Maude's grasp.*) 

Mabel {coldly). There, that will do, Maude. Let's 
not have a scene, please. {About to go l.) 

Maude {burying her face in the chair). Oh, she'll never 
forgive me ! 

Mary. Why, Mabel, it wasn't Maude's fault. {Enter 
Delia, l.) I toid the girls, but Maude didn't tell me. 

Mabel {haughtily). Then who did, pray ? 

Delia. I did, Miss Mabel. 

Mabel {surprised). You, Delia? 

Delia. Yis, mum. 1 heard ye tellin' Miss Maude. 

Mabel. Delia ! 

Delia. Yis, an' right glad I was to hear the news, 
mum. He's a fine gintleman. 

Mabel {trying to stop her). Oh, Delia, you must be 
mistaken. 

Delia. I am not, Miss Mabel, and here's my best wishes 
to ye ; an' I also heard Miss Clara tellin' Miss Stella. 

(Stella and Clara shriek, and Maude looks up.) 

Mabel {haughtily). Well, really, there seems to have 
been quite enough discussion of my affairs here this after- 
noon. I won't add to it. Good-bye, Mary. {Goes L. 
Telephone rings off r. Exit Delia, r.) May 1 ask you 
girls not to repeat this story? -You mustn't tell any one. 
It means a great deal to me. I 

{Enter Delia, r.) 

Delia {excitedly). Ye' re wanted on the 'phone, Miss 
Mabel. 

Mabel. Oh, I wonder who it can be? Excuse me. 

{Exit, r.) 

Jessie. Well, what I want to know ith — ith Mabel en- 
gaged to Harold Wright, or not ? 

Delia. Excuse me bein' so forward, Miss Mary — but 
that's him now ! {Motions R.) 

Marion. What ! Was it Harold who called her ? 

(Delia nods.) 



HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET 17 

Nellie. Oh, it's awful to say — but I'd give one~ hundred 
dollars to know what they are talking about. 

Maude. Whether it's true or not she'll never forgive me. 

{Enter Mabel, r., smiling. She raises Maude, kisses her, 
and stands with arm around her.') 

Mabel. Yes, I will, too. Girls, listen. I'm engaged 
to Harold Wright. {They all exclaim and shriek and start 
toward her, but she stops them with a gesture.) Wait ! 
Harold did not want to announce it until, he had told his 
Uncle George, who, as you know, has been like a father to 
him. 

Clara. And his uncle's in Europe. 

Mabel. He was. But, girls — he came home unex- 
pectedly to-day, and Harold has seen him, and it's all 
right ! 

Maude. Oh, Mabel ! 

Mabel. So you may tell any one now, girls. It's no 
secret. And — wait — what do you think that mean old thing 
said to me ? 

Mary. What? 

Mabel. Why, he said he telephoned me here right away 
to relieve the strain — because he knew how a woman keeps 
a secret ! (They all laugh.) And now come on, congrat- 
ulate me, won't you ? 

*- ( They all rush to Mabel, surrounding her and talking 
excitedly.) 



I 



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Practical Elocution 




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Conversation, which is the basis of all true Elocu- 
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given to the cultivation of this the most common 
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General principles and practical processes are pre- 
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The work includes a systematic treatment of Ges- 
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